Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “A Perfect Dilemma (Hope Parish #3; A Perfect Secret, #3)” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

A Perfect Dilemma

(Hope Parish #3)

Zoe Dawson (Goodreads Author)

4.15 · Rating details · 417 ratings · 41 reviews

The one secret she can't stand to keep is the one she can't afford to tell.

The perfect little rich girl, River Pearl Sutton has always done what her family expected of her. She’d become the perfect little beauty queen, the perfect child model and now her global success locks her into a life she never really chose.

Coming home for the summer to prepare for the Founder’s ...more

Get A Copy

Kindle Edition, 336 pages

Published September 22nd 2014

More Details... Edit Details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about A Perfect Dilemma, please sign up.

Be the first to ask a question about A Perfect Dilemma

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

Average rating 4.15 ·

Rating details

· 417 ratings · 41 reviews

More filters

Sort order

Start your review of A Perfect Dilemma (Hope Parish #3; A Perfect Secret, #3)

Sep 27, 2013 ♥Rachel♥ rated it liked it

I’ve enjoyed the Perfect Secret Series by Zoe Dawson. Those gorgeous Outlaw Brothers and their angsty romances have captured my heart. I’ve been eager to get my hands on the last Outlaw Brother’s story, Braxton and River Pearl’s romance. They’ve had some interactions in the previous books that made me curious about what was going on with them. Definitely some magnetism and drama!

River Pearl Sutton is like the Princess of Suttontowne being a direct descendant of the town’s founder and daughter t I’ve enjoyed the Perfect Secret Series by Zoe Dawson. Those gorgeous Outlaw Brothers and their angsty romances have captured my heart. I’ve been eager to get my hands on the last Outlaw Brother’s story, Braxton and River Pearl’s romance. They’ve had some interactions in the previous books that made me curious about what was going on with them. Definitely some magnetism and drama!

River Pearl Sutton is like the Princess of Suttontowne being a direct descendant of the town’s founder and daughter to its wealthy family. As a beauty queen and a successful model, River Pearl seems to have the world at her feet, but looks can be deceiving. She didn’t choose her career or decide to enter in beauty pageants. That was all her mother’s desires and River finds it very unfulfilling. What’s worse is that the only man who has truly captured her interest wants nothing to do with her. Braxton Outlaw rebuffs every one of her attempts at flirting and yet she knows he attracted. They always end up fighting or with River Pearl in tears.

River Pearl resolves to get to the bottom of Brax’s refusals, her last summer home, by including him in her research for the Founder’s Day speech she must write. The Outlaws and Sutton’s have a shared history. The Outlaws have a shameful one that has caused pain and ridicule for the Outlaw family whereas the Sutton’s come off as heroes. During River Pearl’s research she finds all may not be as it seems and her family may have a much darker role in events that led to the Outlaws fall.

Brax Outlaw is a “skirt-chaser, sweet-talker, heartbreaker”. He has hookups but no relationships because he’d never subject a woman to pain his mother went through being an Outlaw in Suttontowne. He’s had a mad crush on River Pearl for ages, not that he’d ever let her know. She’s the shinning Princess of Suttontowne and he has no intention of tarnishing her crown. But when River Pearl pushes and pushes this final summer, he can’t help his weakening resolve.

Like I said in the outset, I’ve been a fan of this series. These sweet talking Southern boys had me swooning from the start. I enjoyed this installment and it did have some of the things I liked about the first books: the sassy dialogue, steamy chemistry, and some suspense and danger. However, I had some issues as well. The inner reservations and musings from Brax (mostly Brax, but also from River Pearl) were repetitive and frustrating. I think this installment would’ve benefited by a little more editing. Also, Brax’s reason for keeping River Pearl at arm’s length didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me.

In spite of my issues I was smiling by the conclusion and happy with how things turned out for the Outlaw family; even if one mystery was a sad revelation for their mother and the boys.

A copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
...more

flag 13 likes · Like · see review

Apr 14, 2015 Kami Dodson-Perry rated it liked it

Shelves: kindle

River wants Braxston Outlaw and has since she was in high school. Braxston wants River Pearl. Should be simple right, so wrong. Braxston tells himself she is off limits because she is the type of girl he will never want to let go and that means she would be subjected to his reputation. He will never let that happen to any woman. River makes attempts to get Braxston once he can no longer avoid her.

She is the rich beauty queen turned international model. Braxston is a self taught awesome cook with ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jun 02, 2014 Gail rated it it was amazing

A very enjoyable read. Very hard book to put down. Braxton Outlaw one of the bad boys has always been infatuated with spoiled rich girl River Pearl. She comes back into town to help out her family with an event. She always thought Braxton didn't like her but she was wrong. They are very attracted to each other. Just when things are going great between them River Pearl stumbles across a secret that can ruin her family's reputation and also hers. Should she keep the past in the past or should she ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Mar 14, 2014 HMS rated it it was amazing

This book has to be the best yet. I have a book hangover that will last. Although the author claims this is the last in the series, please please please give Jake (River Pearl's brother) and Ethan (ex-Marine/bartender at Outlaws) books. Brax might be my favorite if all the Oulaws. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Oct 02, 2014 Angie rated it really liked it

An absolute stunning end to a phenomenal series.

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Mar 31, 2015 Dawn-Ann rated it liked it

I want more Outlaw's. I want to see where they're at 10 years down the road. I want more! ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jul 08, 2017 Kathleen Williams rated it it was amazing

Sooo Good

Absolutely loved it Braxton and River Pearl's story I couldn't put it down it had everything from great characters, secrets from the past , murder, steamy sex all wrapped up into a great story! ...more

flag Like · see review

Mar 14, 2017 Cherylann rated it it was amazing

Great continuation of the Hope Parish Series

flag Like · see review

Feb 03, 2018 Beth Knight rated it it was amazing

Best one yet!

The love, the suspense, the heartache, but their story is so beautiful. Finally the truth is discovered, and everybody gets their happily ever after.

flag Like · see review

Jul 30, 2018 Sharon rated it it was amazing

The society girl, the ill-tempered sarcastic pariah, a secret that will destroy a family and true love. A n ending that catches you off guard. This series just gets better and better.

flag Like · see review

Sep 26, 2014 RoloPoloBookBlog rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance, mystery-suspense

Source: ARC from author
My Rating: 5/5 stars
My Review:

With each of the A Perfect Secret series reads I have fallen a little more in love with the Outlaw boys and A Perfect Dilemma did nothing but increase my love of those beautiful boys. Braxton Outlaw may not have Boone’s swoon but he has a sexy all his own and for better or worse that sexy is reserved for River Pearl Sutton, the one girl in the world he has promised himself he can never have.

Of all the Outlaw boys, Brax is the most sensitive t Source: ARC from author
My Rating: 5/5 stars
My Review:

With each of the A Perfect Secret series reads I have fallen a little more in love with the Outlaw boys and A Perfect Dilemma did nothing but increase my love of those beautiful boys. Braxton Outlaw may not have Boone’s swoon but he has a sexy all his own and for better or worse that sexy is reserved for River Pearl Sutton, the one girl in the world he has promised himself he can never have.

Of all the Outlaw boys, Brax is the most sensitive to his family’s reputation. Brax is almost hyper-aware of what people think of him and his family and though he is tough he is also concerned that his presence in any worthy woman’s life will bring her nothing but shame, the same shame his mother has lived with for years. As far as Brax is concerned his life will be satisfying enough with the occasional one night stand, his restaurant and, his brother’s and their mates. It doesn’t matter one bit to Braxton how much he wants River Pearl, he can’t ruin her reputation which means he just simply can’t have her. Needless to say, Braxton Outlaw has a lot of anger constantly bubbling just underneath the surface.

River Pearl Sutton is a woman of means. In addition to being from a very wealthy Hope Parish family she is also an accomplished model with an internationally known face and body. Her life is exciting and glamorous but it isn’t exactly satisfying. As beautiful as River Pearl is, even she can’t seem to land the one man in the world she wants above all others. For years she has harbored a strong crush on Braxton Outlaw and now that she is back in Hope Parish she is determined to make Braxton hers no matter what it takes. Thank goodness River Pearl is just as stubborn as Braxton because it is going to take every weapon in her considerable arsenal to change that man’s mind.

As Braxton and River Pearl fight and make-up and fight some more they also work toward a common goal of solving a mystery. River Pearl is convinced there is more to the legend of the Outlaws than what everyone has believed for decades. Hell bent on discovering the truth, River Pearl enlists Braxton’s help and when all is said and done, no one can believe what River Pearl uncovers. Not only does she solve one mystery but she solves two and in one fell swoop she flips Hope Parish ass over teakettle. In a totally classy and River Pearl kind of way, of course 

The Bottom Line: A Perfect Dilemma is the perfect ending to the initial Hope Parish trilogy. Yes, the series is going to move forward but the Outlaw boys aren’t going to be the main characters. YAY and BOO!!  Dilemma is not only an excellent story for Braxton and River Pearl but it is also an excellent read as far as tying up loose ends goes. Dawson dots all the i’s and crosses all t’s and no question is left unanswered. I absolutely loved how every aspect of the entire trilogy came together in this read. Everything is tied into Braxton and River Pearl’s story in a logical and believable way. There’s no reaching here, it all works together in a seamless and totally interesting way. In all,the A Perfect Secret series is a prime example of why I love trilogies so very, very much! The Unholy Trinity are the right type of bad boys – totally hot, mostly well-mannered (their momma tried!), honorable and, unconditionally devoted to one another. For me, this series would have been just as good if didn’t have the added bonus of the romances and HEAs. Seriously, the girls – as awesome as they are – are an added bonus! In all honesty, this is a series that has worked its way into my pile of favorites and is something I can see myself returning to again and again. I loves me some Outlaws!! ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 12, 2014 Chu rated it it was amazing

Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak

PURCHASE IT ►►► AMAZON

A Perfect Series had captured my attention the moment I started reading the first book, and I fell in love with every Outlaw triplet I came across with. This time, it is Brax turn! He’s stubborn, a little bit hotheaded and a great chef. He can cook mean meals that would make your mouth water in simply reading about it. Ever since he was already captivated by the perfect little rich girl, River Pearl Sutton. But he knew where he stand, ...more

flag Like · see review

May 14, 2014 Kim rated it it was amazing

4.5 stars

I think I have enjoyed each Outlaw brothers story more than the last! Braxton is the quietly angry brother- after watching his momma suffer verbal and physical abuse at the hands of the townspeople after his daddy left simply because she married an Outlaw, he vowed he would never subject a woman to that mistreatment for being in a relationship or married to him.

This story had a bit of a Romeo and Juliet feel to it. River Pearl is the beauty queen and daughter of the town's founding fami 4.5 stars

I think I have enjoyed each Outlaw brothers story more than the last! Braxton is the quietly angry brother- after watching his momma suffer verbal and physical abuse at the hands of the townspeople after his daddy left simply because she married an Outlaw, he vowed he would never subject a woman to that mistreatment for being in a relationship or married to him.

This story had a bit of a Romeo and Juliet feel to it. River Pearl is the beauty queen and daughter of the town's founding family- she is about as far out of Brax's league as it gets but it doesn't stop either of them from wondering what if. So Brax pushes her away the only way he knows how- he acts like a total ass to her to keep her from getting too close.

River is used to always getting what she wants, and Braxton Outlaw has been the sole exception to that. After years of playing the perfect daughter, she has had enough of everyone else telling her what she can do and who she can interact with. The modeling and pageant world has gotten old and she wants to find her own path out from underneath the thumb of her parents. She decides it's time to get under Brax's skin and finally draw a reaction using her speech research involving their ancestors as the tool to get closer to him

Brax definitely falls into the tortured bad boy category and I fell for him hard. For years he has taken all the anger and hurt and shoved it down into a little box as much as possible to avoid the feelings- but now it's threatening to eat him alive from the inside out. When he finally throws in the towel and gives in to what they have both wanted for years, they scorch the pages.

When they are alone in their bubble of peace, everything is wonderful- but the outside world hasn't changed and nothing is easy. River may come from a privileged background but she is not a spoiled princess- she has a spine of steel and sass to spare, able to match Brax's attitude or any of the snotty judgmental jerks in their town while standing on her own. But he is determined to see that her life and reputation is not ruined by him, even if it means ripping his own heart out in the process.

I loved the interaction between the brothers- their personalities are so different but still complimentary to each other. Their conversations were sometimes heartbreaking and sometimes hysterically funny- I know I will not look at a french fry the same way for quite a while! This was a great ending to the series, providing answers to questions left open since book 1 and setting the stage for some of the secondary characters to get their time in the spotlight soon. ...more

flag Like · see review

Sep 21, 2014 Julie rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc

Sometimes the life we lead isn’t always the one we want. River Pearl Sutton knows how to wear many masks. As a beauty queen and model, River Pearl has always lived up to the expectations of her family. Acting, dressing, and becoming the person her family desired. Living a life that doesn’t fulfill her.

Upon returning to Hope Parish, River Pearl works on her part in the Founder’s Day celebration. With a speech to write, she finds herself face to face with Braxton Outlaw. Their family’s history wil Sometimes the life we lead isn’t always the one we want. River Pearl Sutton knows how to wear many masks. As a beauty queen and model, River Pearl has always lived up to the expectations of her family. Acting, dressing, and becoming the person her family desired. Living a life that doesn’t fulfill her.

Upon returning to Hope Parish, River Pearl works on her part in the Founder’s Day celebration. With a speech to write, she finds herself face to face with Braxton Outlaw. Their family’s history will bring the two together on a journey that delves into their ancestors. Time spent together that River Pearl hopes will lead them towards a relationship.

Braxton has always harbored feelings for River Pearl. Despite the way she feels about him, Braxton has always kept River Pearl at a distance. Never wanting to ‘taint’ her with the Outlaw drama. Although he spurns her at every turn, Brax is finding it harder and harder to turn her away. Desperate to have just a sampling of what she offers, Brax finds himself drawn deeper into the feelings he so desperately tries to hide.

As River Pearl uncovers a secret that will shock the entire town, others will try to keep her discovery from ever seeing the light of day. As the secrets unfold, River Pearl will face choosing between her family and the man she has grown to love. Can two people from completely different lifestyles overcome the obstacles standing in their way? Is their relationship doomed before it ever really has a chance to blossom?

When you think of a heart-breaker look no further than Brax Outlaw!! With feelings for River Pearl that he has kept to himself, Brax finds that rejecting her is harder than he ever imagined. Determined to spare her the humiliation of being labeled an ’Outlaw’, Brax will sacrifice his desires to keep from tarnishing her ‘crown’. Determination will fuel River Pearl on a journey into her family’s secrets. Hoping to unchain Brax from the ties that lock down his heart. Their romance is a perfect conclusion to this series!! If you haven’t had the privilege of meeting the Outlaw trifecta…..grab this series right away!! ...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 05, 2014 Kim rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc, new-adult, reviewed, from-the-author, read-in-2014

Find this review and more at kimberlyfaye reads .

If you’re a fan of new adult books with strong women and swoony southern men, you should definitely be reading Zoe Dawson’s Perfect Secret series. If you’re not, you really don’t know what you’re missing.

A Perfect Dilemma told the story of the final Outlaw brother – Braxton – and it was a fantastic addition to the series. I can’t possibly pick a favorite Outlaw brother. They’re each special and amazing in their own way. I think Braxton was the ...more

flag Like · see review

Sep 29, 2014 Veronica of V's Reads rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary, new-adult-romance, romance, adult, fun-fast-read, steamy, hot, quick-read

River Pearl Sutton is a model daughter, and a model period. She's been all over the world in fashion shows and glam mags, but she longs to follow her dreams of art school and painting--not enter another pageant to please her mama. While researching a new angle on the history of her town--and I mean HER town--Suttontowne was founded by her great great grandaddy, Colonel Sutton. River Pearl learns of a secret between the Colonel and the shame of Suttontowne, Duel Outlaw.

150 years ago Duel was hang ...more

flag Like · see review

Aug 03, 2014 Sue Stewart rated it it was amazing

Brax and River Pearl are the last couple in this "Perfect Secret" (or as I like to say - "Perfect Outlaw) series! Awesome conclusion to a Fantastic trilogy!

I just Loved these two! Brax - "Smoking Hot Heartbreaker." ----- "River Pearl was intrinsic, like the H in H2O."
River Pearl - "Sassy, strong, and very complex" Princess of Suttontowne

When River Pearl seeks Braxton's help with her speech for the Founder's Day Festival (the Sutton/Outlaw ancestor's History), the sparks will fly ("So we sniped, ...more

flag Like · see review

Sep 12, 2014 Book Junky Girls rated it really liked it

Our last Outlaw brother isn't going down commitment lane without a fight. Braxton has only ever wanted one girl, but the princess of Suttenville is the one girl he can't have, his reputation is too bad and he won't see her become like other women who dared love an Outlaw.

River Pearl wants one man and no other has ever compaired, with one month before she goes back to New York she's determined to have him. Using the speech her father wants her to write as an excuse she goes after him harder than ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 09, 2014 Roxanne Kade rated it it was amazing

After having read the entire A Perfect Secret Series in one fell swoop, I have to say that I have come to love this trio of Hellraisers and their beautiful women. Booker, Boone and Braxton each have a place in my heart, and for different reasons, but I will admit that Brax is probably my favorite Outlaw, so I was extremely excited that he got his own story and with River Pearl no less.

As with the rest of the books in this series, this one was filled with heartache, turmoil and plenty of sexual ...more

flag Like · see review

Nov 20, 2013 Judy rated it it was amazing

A Perfect Dilemma by Zoe Dawson
A Perfect Secret Series Book Three
Braxton Outlaw in one of three of Suttontowne’s most dangerously sexy men. The unholy trinity and owners of the Swoon, a smile that no woman of any age could resist. Only now his brothers have found their one and only loves. Brax refuses to give in to that weakness. The weakness he’s resisted all these years has a name and he avoids her like the plague.

River Pearl Sutton. Suttontowne’s little princess. The world sees her in magazin ...more

flag Like · see review

Apr 01, 2015 Bette Stanek rated it liked it

Again, 3.5 Huckleberry Stars. I liked it better than a 3 star read, but didn't feel it was quite a 4 star read. I do have to say that I absolutely love the trips and their interactions with one another. This is a quick and easy read, there's a little suspense to keep things interesting, and the characters are just that...characters.

A Perfect Dilemma is the story of the third of the Outlaw triplets, Braxton, and River Pearl Sutton, the town's golden girl. She has had absolutely everything good w ...more

flag Like · see review

Feb 10, 2017 Anna Lankirka rated it it was amazing

Perfect, just perfect! Such a charming end of this book series, really swoon and droolworthy. But what happens next in this small full of drama city? Next please!!!

flag Like · see review

Dec 30, 2013 Ronda Bearden rated it it was amazing

Gifted Copy

I have to say this one was the best book in this series!!! There were so many emotions and so much suspense put in the book that it was almost overload for me. You want to jump in this book and just shake the ever living hell out of Braxton. He is so hell bent on protecting the ones he loves that he can't see he how much it really hurting everyone. Oh my word, the outcome of the Outlaws legacy is just WOW!!! Ha Ha , no I'm not giving you any hints on that one. I could not for the life ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 14, 2014 Jon rated it liked it

Good

it was a good series and I'm glad in the end it answered everything I just felt like I was reading the same exact story as the first two. I even knew at what percentage in the book was going to change which is around 60 to 70 then 80 percent through. you have the secrect then the girl hides it all though this time she was write not to.say anything boy saves girl ends up in hospital says I love you. still a good read I got bored because like I said the books are all the same the story dynamic ...more

flag Like · see review

Sep 22, 2014 Jennifer Rux rated it it was amazing

This was the best book of the series. I love Brax and River. There was so much love me leave me that it made my heart ache, but that is what made it so amazing. I have to first say that I don't normally pick up and read a romance book. I haven't read that big famous one that is becoming a movie soon just on principal for the genre, but I am so grateful that another author recommended the first book in this series an I read it becuase I trust her opinion. The Outlaw brothers are such great, stron ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 14, 2014 Book Drunk Blog rated it really liked it

Braxton. Swoon.
Those Outlaw boys sure know the way to a girl's heart. Much like the girls in Hope Parish I'm completely powerless to their grins, their bad boy exterior and their hearts of gold.
But, you put all of that together in the package of Braxton Outlaw and I'm a complete goner. He was by far my favorite. His story was so heartbreakingly delicious I couldn't put it down.
Not to mention River Pearl was kick-ass. She set her sights on Brax and didn't stop until she got what she wanted.
This ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 08, 2014 Philomena Callan Cheekypee rated it it was amazing

Shelves: loved-it

This is the third story in this super series. Each book is based on one of the Outlaw triplets. We get the added bonus in this series of reading about some wonderful females.

This is Braxtons story. I loved how it was the female character chasing the female this time.

I really enjoyed this book. This was a nice conclusion to the Outlaw boys stories. I'm so looking forward to reading more by this author.

I'll certainly be recommending these books to others. ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 09, 2014 Debbie rated it it was amazing

A Perfect Dilemma was the perfect story to end the A Perfect Secret series. Braxton Outlaw and River Pearl Sutton take us back to Hope Parish, Louisiana. The bayou was the perfect setting for this suspense and secret filled read.

I loved that Brax and River Pearl see beneath the surface and more in each other. The mystery solving, suspense and secrets kept me engaged in the story and needing to know what was going to happen

flag Like · see review

Sep 14, 2016 Stacey rated it liked it

Love the trope and the character handling. This author has a way of putting a super creepy character who isn't really needed, who then tries to kill someone, thus pushing the resolution of the plot. Totally unneeded. And, by book 3, tiring.

I'm taking a break from this series after this.

(In the author's defense, I really like this universe. The characters are compelling. And I really want to see what happens to some of them. I just can't handle another attempted murder.) ...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 12, 2014 Lisa (A Life Bound By Books) rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2014-release, books-i-own-kindle, arc-kindle, e-books, new-adult, 2014-read

Oh, I was waiting to read about Brax! The last of the Outlaw trips! And WOW, way to tie up a trilogy... Full review to follow on my blog for the blog tour.

For more info and reviews please visit my Book Review Blog here - A Life Bound By Books ...more

flag Like · see review

« previous 1 2 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend It | Stats | Recent Status Updates

Readers also enjoyed

See similar books…

Genres

Romance

11 users

New Adult

8 users

Romance > Contemporary Romance

5 users

New Adult > New Adult Romance

2 users

Thriller > Mystery Thriller

2 users

See top shelves…

About Zoe Dawson

Zoe Dawson

991 followers

Newsletter sign up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

Zoe Dawson, the author of 40+ books had always dreamed of becoming a full-time romance writer. Her other passions include traveling the world, owning a beach house (she believes she was a mermaid in another life), and seeing her books in movies. When she’s not writing, she’s painting or killing virtual MMORPG monsters in World of Warcraft ...more